Cape Breton Island 
Annapolis Apple Blossom Festival
Spring is springing from the northern tip of Cape Breton all the way down to Yarmouth, and it’s time to enjoy it! With the world waking up again and great news on the vaccine front, getting out and into the better weather is a great chance to escape the winter doldrums. This list covers the majority of the province, and of course there will be plenty more to do wherever you live. These are 25 ideas to get you started though, and the best part is that they’ll all be just as fun in the summer, so you can just move them from “Spring Visits” to “Summer Visits”!
Maple Syrup Trip
Early spring is the only time that you can see the syrup being made and experience the exquisite taste of taffy on snow. Nova Scotia is home to many sugar bushes, so you are never too far from the liquid gold experience! If there is still snow, you can enjoy taffy on the snow!
Apple Blossoms
April showers bring May flowers and apple blossoms. The Annual Apple Blossom Festival in the Annapolis Valley has been delayed until 2022, but you can see the beautiful white and pink blossoms bloom across Nova Scotia. Here are just 12 places you can visit to view apple blossoms.
Get Camping Reservations Done
Nova Scotia Parks’ 2021 summer camping reservation will open on April 6th.
Choose your favourite place to camp and start getting ready for a fantastic adventure. Rediscover the beauty of the great outdoors, the wonder of sleeping under the stars, and of course S’mores. Check out the places nearby, or take a longer trip for a weekend away from home (subject to COVID-19 restrictions); either way, set up camp and enjoy the natural wonders of Nova Scotia.
Thrift Shopping
Thrift shopping has grown in popularity because there are more people who want to save money and lessen their environmental impact. Spring cleaning can be a pain, but one of the best parts of it is finding new wardrobe items. And thrift shopping is a great way to do that while being green and budget-conscious. Luckily, Nova Scotia is home to a unique selection of thrift and consignment shops. The shops listed are fantastic places where you can find new-to-you clothing that won’t cost you an ‘arm or leg’.
Amherst Point Migratory Bird Sanctuary Trail
The snowbirds come back in the spring, so come and welcome them back on the Amherst Point Migratory Bird Sanctuary Trail. With a 2.5km looping trail featuring a picnic area on a hill overlooking Laytons Lake towards the end, it’s a perfect afternoon outing. Check your favourite bird book for the best times to come and see birds fly in and begin preparing their spring and summer homes. Birdwatchers can spot courtships, nest building, and maybe even the hatching of the sanctuary’s newest residents!
Address: Southampton Road off Highway 104 exit #3
Cost: Free
County: Cumberland
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Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens
It’s time to make new memories, so why not do it in a place rich in beauty and history? The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens have 17 acres to explore, as well as a beautiful view of the tidal river valley. Check out the Pine Forest, the Innovative Garden, and the Rose Collection and Maze to see how past and present are blended together. You can also see a reconstructed Acadian house, and have a snack at the Elm Tree Café.
441 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal
902-532-7018
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Blomidon Lookoff
If you’re going to have a picnic, you should have one with an awesome view! The Blomidon Lookoff is a small park just off the highway, making it accessible to all. There’s plenty of room for the whole group to enjoy a picnic (perhaps including some local baked goods?). The view is also one of the best that doesn’t involve a mountain, because when the skies are clear you can look over five different counties. Bring a basket and a camera, and have a nice afternoon outside together.
3374 Highway 358, Arlington
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Bras D’Or Lake
The Bras D’Or Lake is a beautiful UNESCO biosphere, and it’s really an inland sea (or estuary). The biodiversity of the area is astonishing, and springtime means the ice is gone and you’re ready to get out on the water again. It might be a bit too cold to swim until June, but until then you can boat, kayak, or canoe to your heart’s content. There are also plenty of boat tours and charters so you can ride along, and as the spring stretches towards summer you’ll have the opportunity to observe eagles, whales, and plenty of seabirds too.
Cape Sable Island
Nova Scotia has dozens of islands off its coasts, but only one can be the most southerly, and that’s Cape Sable Island. It’s an island with a friendly community, a gorgeous lighthouse, and a drowned forest. No, seriously—you can see the petrified trunks of trees that once grew near the beach, it looks really cool. It’s also a great place for birdwatching, particularly seabirds, so you’ll be the first to welcome the travellers back from their migrations.
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Celtic Shores Coastal Trail
If you want to explore the west coast of Cape Breton (and you do want to, even if you don’t know it yet), grab your bikes or your hiking shoes and head out to the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail! It’s 92km in total, so a bit far for one day, but the trail is mainly flat and there’s plenty of places to stop along the way. There are cultural sites to see, great pubs and restaurants, and so much more along the way. Come take a hike!
Den of Antiquity
Spring in Nova Scotia brings a fair bit of rain, so it’s important to have some indoor activities. And why not use a rainy day to explore the past? The Den of Antiquity has a great name and great products on offer. From antiques and collectibles to sweet treats from local businesses and newly crafted artisan goods, the Den has it all! The hours are limited right now, but if you want a peak at what you might find, they have an Etsy store too!
Address: 12254 Kempt Head Road, Boularderie East, Cape Breton; Phone: 902-371-7364
Dundee Resort
If you’re looking for a family spring getaway (that doesn’t have to be on March Break by the way, any break is spring break if it’s in the spring), drive 20 minutes past the Causeway and you’ll find yourself at the Dundee Resort. Designed for families, there’s endless activities to enjoy in spring. From water activities to kids’ events and outdoor movies, no one’s going to be bored. There’s also plenty for the grownups to do as well, with a gorgeous golf course, an outdoor pool (once it gets a bit warmer), and lovely accommodations to simply have some quiet time.
Address: 2750 West Bay Road, West Bay, Cape Breton
Phone: 844-638-6333 or 902-345-2649
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Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground
It’s time to get back into the wild, and what better way to do that then to go backcountry camping? Fishing Cove has the only designated wilderness camping area in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Even the process of getting there is an adventure—it’s a 6km hike down a mountain. If you’re looking for quiet and nothing but the mountains and the sea around you, this is the place to go.
Reserve: 902-224-2306
Joggins Fossil Cliffs
Rocks are cool, and when you want to see the coolest of rocks you need to go to Joggins Fossil Cliffs. When you walk by the cliffs, you’ll see rocks and fossils from 300 million years ago. Search the rocks on the beach and you just might find a piece of history all on your own. The museum and tours are currently on hold until May, so you might want to wait for that springtime month. The rocks are 300 million years old—they’ll still be there then.
Address: 100 Main Street, Joggins
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Jost Vineyards
This is definitely an outing for the over 19s, and a must see if you love wine. Jost Vineyards are beautiful and set on the Northumberland Shore, and you can see the ocean from the vines. You can stroll through the vineyards or bring your bike before you head back for a bite to eat at the Seagrape Café and Deli. And of course, you’ve got to try the wines on offer—red, white, rose, and even maple wine can be found at the tasting bar and the wine store.
Address: 48 Vintage Lane, North Shore
Phone: 1-800-565-4567 or 902-257-2636
Kejimkujik National Park
Kejimkujik is a treat all year round, but springtime allows you to get a really good look at the seasonal change in the wilderness. This national park is enormous, and available activities range from cultural experiences to backcountry camping to kayaking. Now that it’s spring, it’ll be much more fun to camp too, so bringing the whole family for a weekend getaway is a must. And when the night falls and the stars come out, you’ll be able to see them clearly thanks to Keji being a Dark Sky Preserve.
Address: 3005 Kejimkujik Main Parkway; Phone: 902-682-2772
Keppoch Mountain
Keppoch Mountain in Antigonish County is one of the most versatile outdoor areas in Nova Scotia, and it’s accessible for everyone. Do you like to mountain bike? Do you enjoy a wide variety of trails, so that your whole group can find something that suits them? Do you want to try your hand at geocaching in the wilderness? You can do all that and more at Keppoch, but don’t worry if you don’t get it all done in the spring…there’s always summer!
Address: 193 Keppoch Road, Beaver Meadow
Phone Number: thekeppoch@gmail.com
McNabs Island
McNabs Island is a little piece of wilderness right at the edge of the Halifax Harbour. This wild island has the remnants of former inhabitants’ houses and gardens, making for an interesting walk in the woods. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, including spotting species that are rare in other parts of Nova Scotia. Take a water taxi in and out or camp out overnight and enjoy the special flora and fauna of this historic island.
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Membertou Heritage Park
Spring is a great time to learn new things, and learning about the Mi’kmaq peoples of Nova Scotia and their history is an important step to understanding the history of Nova Scotia. Membertou Heritage Park has large grounds both inside and out. The building allows you to learn all about the Mi’kmaq culture, and their programs offer cultural experience like dreamcatcher workshops and basket making. Whether you have Mi’kmaq heritage or you want to learn about a different culture, Membertou Heritage Park is a great place to start your search.
Norse Cove Camping
Whether you’re an old pro at camping or you’re like me and have spent a grand total of 2 nights in a tent, you’ll find a great spring getaway at Norse Cove Camping. They offer everything from deluxe Nordic Huts to RV sites to tent platforms, so everyone can have a splendid time. They’ve got outdoor games, trails, hot showers, a disabled-accessible washroom, and the Longhouse for hanging out (plus they have Wi-Fi and charging ports). Make this your home base for an Eastern Shore adventure, or just hang out on the site and get back to nature—it’s all up to you!
Phone: 902-430-4559
Address: 51 Dewolfes Road, Tangier
Valley Drive-In Theatre
Watch a movie under the stars from mid-spring at the Valley Drive-in Theatre. The canteen on-site has lots to offer, including popcorn, onion rings, French fries and much more.
Address: 5943 Highway 1, Cambridge
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Oaklawn Zoo
If you’re interested in seeing exotic animals like lions, tigers, and zonkeys, you’ve got to go to Oaklawn Zoo! They’ve got animals from six different continents (including emus, who technically own Australia after the Emu War). It’s well set up for bringing little ones, and the gift shop and canteen are sure to delight. If you can, time your visit so you’ll be there for Feeding Time for the big cats!
Address: 997 Ward Road, Aylesford
Phone: 902-847-9790
Pebble and Fern Market Garden
Pebble and Fern Market Garden is a garden on a little island that’s off another little island that’s just off of Cape Breton, so the journey there is enough of a spring adventure! When you get there you can check out their vegetables and artisan goods. All the vegetables are grown by hand, and when you’re finished at the Garden, why not check out the Isle Madame Public Market, where the girls sell also sell their wares?
Ross Farm
Another great place to learn, Ross Farm takes you back two hundred years—quite literally. From heritage animals and crops to the period dress and traditional farming methods, Ross Farm is a perfect image of Nova Scotia in the 19th century. There are 60 acres of farm to explore, lessons and exhibits on farm life, and a trail that promises gnome sightings. Spring has changed a lot in two hundred years, but at this farm you might just find that it’s more similar than you think.
Address: 4568 Highway #12, New Ross
Phone: 902-689-2210
Shubenacadie Wildlife Park
If you want to see lots of baby animals as well as just about every species of animal known to Nova Scotia, Shubenacadie is the place for you. The wildlife park is home to informative and interesting displays about dozens of species of animal, and like I said before, spring is the perfect time to see baby animals. While the focus is certainly on species found in Nova Scotia, there are a few exceptions, like the emus and peafowl (who are probably the ones making the strange noise) and the arctic foxes. Make a day out of it and explore the nearby trail, or just take a quick drive to the picnic tables and playground nearby.
Address: 149 Creighton Road Shubenacadie
Phone: 902-758-2040
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Sydney Waterfront
The Halifax Waterfront gets a lot of attention, but the Sydney Waterfront is also cool…and they have a world-record setting statue, which Halifax does not have. The Sydney Waterfront is a great place for a walk or a run, and there are shops and places to eat along the way. And that world-record statue? Appropriately for its Celtic past, the Sydney Waterfront is home to the World’s Largest Fiddle.
Tangled Gardens
The Tangled Gardens are relatively new, especially compared to the Historic Gardens above—it was begun only 30 years ago (which is longer than I’ve been alive, but that’s apparently quite new for a garden). And in that short time, it has been featured in multiple magazines, grown from one acre to five, and has played host to several events and weddings. Beverly McClare has created a sanctuary that includes a labyrinth, gorgeous gardens, and a store that sells products straight from the gardens: jams, vinegars, liqueurs, jellies, and so much more. Stop in for a tour, lunch at the tearoom, and celebrate spring in a place brimming with new life.
Address: 11827 Nova Scotia Trunk 1, Grand Pré
Phone: 902-542-9811
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Torpedo Rays Scuba
Okay LISTEN, I know it’s going to be quite cold for a while, but that’s what wetsuits are for, and you wear wetsuits while scuba diving, so there. Torpedo Rays Scuba is ready to supply you with everything you might need for a scuba adventure—gear, lessons, and companionship. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to get certified as a rescue diver, they’ve got a course for you and packages to enjoy the open water once the course is completed. This way you’re ready for any summer diving adventure that might come your way, and you’ll know just where to go for gear.
Address: 625 Windmill Road, Dartmouth
Phone: 902-481-0444
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Two Rivers Wildlife Park
Cape Breton’s Two Rivers Wildlife Park echoes the spirit of the mainland parks (see above), but it’s also got its own offerings. Two Rivers has over 50 species of animals, and it also has a petting zoo so you can get up close and personal. When you’re finished looking at the animals, you can hike the trails, go for a wagon ride, and even go fishing in the U-Fish pond. And once it’s May 15th, you can even camp in the park, so you can wake up with the animals!
4581 Grand Mira North Road, Huntington, Cape Breton
Article by: Adrienne Colborne
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